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Match Recap: Toronto Skillz 0 - 2 Vaughan Azzurri

A Mario Kovacevic (21', 45') brace was the difference as Vaughan Azzurri continued their pursuit of the men's east division title with a 2-0 away defeat of Toronto Skillz in Matchweek 20.

A clean sheet by Shyon Gaeeni meant Vaughan were never in doubt of leaving Birchmount Stadium without points, but with over 20 shots in the match by the Azzurri it was their wasteful finishing that threatened to shoot them in the foot.

"We should have done better in front of the net with finishing," said Vaughan head coach, Carmine Isacco.

"I think we took care of the transition game. I think we took care of the ball decently. I don't think we were as sharp as we should have been though, I think it should have been a little more comfortable. The last part of the game it was a bit of a struggle not to give up a goal, but again I think it was due to a general lack of concentration in front of goal."

"Their goalkeeper played well and made some good saves but I think it was more about us not being too tuned in and composed in front of the net."

Toronto Skillz head coach Leslie "Tiger" Fitzpatrick was happy with how his young side locked down defensively for much of the match.

"It was an interesting game for us today with Vaughan," he said. "They are very experienced and are one of the top teams in the league."

"We came into the game trying to have a strong defensive shape, neutralize their midfield. We wanted to take away their ability to distribute. We knew they would attack through the flanks as well if they could get that. I think in the first half we did a fairly good job of it but two mistakes on clearances led to balls dropping into central areas. The first strike that they had was an unbelieveable strike. It was a great goal. The second one was avoidable."

The win meant Vaughan finish the matchweek level on points with Woodbridge Strikers at the top of the east division with only four matches to go.

"We just don't want to make it easy for Woodbridge," said Isacco.

"We want to win our games and force them to win their games. We want to move forward and not look back at some of the things we would or should or could have done. We're just going to try and make it as difficult as possible and finish as strong as possible."

Toronto Skillz will next play Pro Stars FC on September 17 at Avondale Stadium, Brampton.

Vaughan Azzurri will next play North Toronto Nitros on September 17 at McNaughton Turf, Vaughan.